Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me,
is not worthy of me.
Jesus took up His cross and carried it on the road to Golgotha. Take a moment and imagine being there and seeing Jesus bearing the cross. He was bruised and bleeding for our iniquities. His body was in excruciating pain, weak, alone, and mocked by those that called Him master. At the end of the road, He was nailed to the cross and suspended between heaven and earth. Most likely, He was stripped naked for public humiliation.
The sins of the world were on His shoulders, and for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame. Jesus looked to heaven and asked, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. However, the sin on His shoulder had separated the Son from the Father. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Because of the broken relationship, in great sorrow, Jesus called the Father, for the first time, God. He was alone and abandoned because of our sins. He endured the cross with joy, but the separation from the Father crushed His heart.
Christianity is not a religion but a title given to the followers of Christ. We imitate the life of Christ. Jesus said If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Self-denial is the requirement for taking up the cross is impossible to be a Christian without it.
Religion is having a form of godliness without self-denial or carrying the cross is the gospel of convenience for the uncommitted hearts. Calling themselves Christians without carrying their cross is an illusion.
God is faithful to provide everyone with a personal cross. Jesus showed us the way, but each one must make a personal choice to follow Him. Christians are recognized by bearing their cross, resembling the life of Christ. Religious people follow Christ but abstain from taking up their cross. They are known for what things they say about Christ.
Brethren, there are people constantly watching you on the side. They are seeking and searching for the truth but often find religion. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let them see you imitating the life of Christ by bearing your cross.
Heb 12:2, Lk 23:34, Ps 22:1, Lk 9:23, Mat 5:16
KJV
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